Filipino mountaineer Philipp Santiago II has died while pursuing his dream of reaching the summit of Mt. Everest. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, May 15, while Santiago and his team, part of the 2025 Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar-Snowy Everest Expedition, were preparing for their final ascent at Camp 4.
Bodhraj Bhandari, managing director at Snowy Horizon Treks, confirmed the climber’s death to the Nepalese news outlet, The Himalayan Times. Rescue efforts to bring Santiago’s body back to basecamp are ongoing, though the cause of his death remains undetermined.
Camp 4, often referred to as the “Death Zone” of Mt. Everest, is situated at 26,000 feet above sea level, where oxygen levels are dangerously low, posing extreme risks to climbers.
Santiago’s cousin, veteran broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil, expressed the family’s grief and requested privacy during this difficult time.
“Our family is asking for prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved Engr. Philipp PJ Santiago II. We also continue to pray for the safety and well-being of Karl Miguel Santiago during this difficult time,” Sumangil wrote.
“The family respectfully requests privacy as we grieve and process these events. Your understanding, support, and prayers are deeply appreciated. Maraming Salamat po,” he added.
